The Yellowjackets did not get on the field until nearly 10:30 local time in Marquette, Michigan on Friday night, but the University of Wisconsin Superior lifted the lid on its 2017 season with a 6-3 victory over in-state rival the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point at the Finlandia Dome Classic.

After surrendering a pair of unearned runs in the fourth inning, UW-Superior (1-0) scored three in the fifth and never looked back, knocking off UW-Stevens Point (0-2) in the team's opener. With the outfield walls non-regulation distance at the dome, any ball that cleared the fences would be a ground-rule double, and the Yellowjackets used it to their advantage in the fifth. Junior outfielder Ciarra Taipale (Duluth, Minn./Denfeld H.S.) cleared the fence for back-to-back doubles leading off the inning, scoring sophomore infielder Gabby Gidley (Superior, Wis./Superior H.S.). First-year infielder Bailey Kinnunen (Grand Rapids, Minn./Grand Rapids H.S.) would clear the fence with two outs, plating Taipale and then came around to score on a single by freshman Bobbi Jean Miller (Oak Grove, Minn./St. Francis H.S.).

Kinnunen added a second RBI in the seventh, adding some insurance for UWS. She would finish 3-for-4 on the day with two doubles. The Yellowjackets had five doubles as a team. Taipale also had a two-bagger, finishing 2-for-4 with two runs scored. Senior Sarah Hendrickson (Duluth, Minn./Denfeld H.S.) (1-0) went the distance on the mound, striking out four while allowing one earned on seven hits. Maddie Durie (0-2) gave up four earned on nine hits, while striking out three in a defeat for UW-Stevens Point. Jen Jacobson finished 3-for-3 to lead the Pointers at the plate.

UP NEXT
UW-Superior is back in action Saturday afternoon at the Finlandia Dome Classic. The Yellowjackets take on the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh with first pitch tentatively set for 2 p.m. ET.